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classical piano

  The Art of the Piano

My Approach

My goal is to help each student achieve a deep level of musicianship and musical fluency. I challenge students to build a strong foundation in music reading, ear and rhythmic training, harmony, and technique to optimize their connection to the piano.

 

Each weekly lesson follows a step-by-step process with clear goals and objectives. Audio recordings of our lessons, as well as videos that serve as practice guides for the specific songs we are working on, are uploaded to a shared folder. Students can access this folder throughout the week and even share feedback or their own progress, which I can then respond to between lessons.

 

Students will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of musical genres, including classical, jazz, pop, and rock. More advanced students create original piano arrangements of songs they love. Using Logic Pro X and high-end virtual instruments, they craft their own arrangements and uncover the hidden architecture of music through creative inspiration, supported by cutting-edge music technology.

 

Music teaches us so much! After more than 40 years of playing and over 25 years of teaching, I remain humbled by how much I continue to learn from it every day. Music instills self-discipline, concentration, patience, and perseverance. Most importantly, it fosters exploration, an open mind, and an open heart. At its core, music can only be experienced in the present moment. It is something to be nurtured—a lifelong journey of self-discovery and growth.

piano lessons for kids and adults
music reading and music theory

• Learn Pop, Jazz, Classical and Rock

• 25+ years teaching experience

• All ages and levels welcome

 

• Se habla Español

 Learn music theory, note reading,
  scales, chords and more

 

• Create original music compositions
  and arrangements using professional
  music production software including
  Logic Pro X

Tuition and Availability:


My 45 and 60 minute sliding scale rates are as follows:
 

• $72 to $90 per 45-minute lesson


• $96 to $120 per 60-minute lesson

 

I offer the sliding scale above to help those who may not be able to afford the full rate. The last thing I want is for students to miss out on lessons due to financial constraints. If you are able to pay the full rate ($90 for 45-minute lessons and $120 for 60-minute lessons), your contribution helps support students who may not have the means to pay in full and enables me to continue offering flexible tuition options. It also allows me to sustain my career as an independent musician and music educator in San Diego.

 

I offer a complementary 30-minute introductory lesson. The main requirements for scheduling an intro session are:

 

  1. You must have a keyboard or piano at home.

  2. You must be able to commit to weekly lessons.

 

In the early stages of learning anything new, the rate of forgetting is very rapid. Therefore, consistency in developing positive practice habits and having easy access to your instrument are essential for success in your musical journey. 

 

I am available for lessons Monday through Friday, from:

 

• 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

 

• 2:30 pm to 7:30 pm. 

 

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free introductory lesson, please contact me directly at 760-500-0640

 

Warm regards, 

 

Rod Contreras

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